The Scouting Report: Braves vs Nationals, Game Two
Lineups, pitching matchup, bullpen status, and what to watch this evening
It’s Atlanta Braves baseball! Let’s break down everything you need to know about tonight’s matchup.
Game Info
First Pitch: 6:45 PM ET
Location: Nationals Park, Washington DC
TV: BravesVision
Radio: 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan
Weather: 60° and mostly sunny, wind SSE at 9 mph
Atlanta Braves
RF Ronald Acuña Jr.
DH Drake Baldwin
2B Ozzie Albies
1B Matt Olson
3B Austin Riley
SS Mauricio Dubón
CF Michael Harris II
C Jonah Heim
LF Eli White
Quick thoughts:
This is the first time Eli White’s batted 9th in the lineup, making it another unique one for Atlanta, the 13th of the season.
Washington Nationals
RF James Wood
1B Luis Garcìa Jr.
CF Jacob Young
SS CJ Abrams
LF Daylen Lile
2B Nasim Nuñez
3B Jorbit Vivas
DH José Tena
C Drew Millas
Quick thoughts:
A second straight game without catcher Keibert Ruiz, while third baseman Brady House also gets the day off.
Pitching Matchup
Braves Starter: Reynaldo Lòpez (1-0, 2.18 ERA)
Quick snapshot:
2.18 ERA / 3.75 xERA / 4.49 FIP
22.6 K% / 9.5 BB% / 13.1% K-BB rate
Pitch mix
vs RHH: 61% four-seamer, 33% slider, 6% curveball, 1% changeup
vs LHH: 46% four-seamer, 31% slider, 14% curveball, 8% changeup
What’s changed in 2026:
Not much of anything - he threw his first changeup to a righty last time out, but other than that, he’s the same Reynaldo López
What to watch:
There’s not a ton of experience against López on Washington’s roster, but those players who have faced him have done well - CJ Abrams has one hit (in seven ABs), but it’s a homer, while James Wood is 1-2 with a double and two walks.
This is López’s second start in Nationals Park since signing with the Braves. He threw six innings of one-run ball back in August of 2024, striking out seven with three hits and three walks.
Opposing Starter: LHP Foster Griffin (2-0, 3.05 ERA)
Quick snapshot:
3.05 ERA / 4.40 xERA / 4.34 FIP
21.8 K% / 8.0 BB% / 13.8% K-BB%
The arsenal:
Cutter (32%, 88.0 mph)
Four-seamer (17%, 91.6 mph)
Sweeper (13%, 80.0 mph)
Changeup (11%, 83.2 mph)
Sinker (10%, 91.1 mph)
Curveball (9%, 78.0 mph)
Splitter (8%, 81.2 mph)
How he attacks hitters
vs LHH: Kitchen sink, led by cutter, sweeper, sinker
vs RHH: Kitchen sink, led by cutter, four-seamer, changeup
Sequencing:
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What This Means for the Braves
Atlanta has never faced Griffin, who is in his first season back in MLB after three years in Japan.
We’re only working on a 20.2 inning sample here, but there are a few trends that stand out already.
Righties seem to handle Griffin better than lefties, which is to be expected.
Six of the seven earned runs charged to Griffin have come in the 5th inning, divided between the bottom of the order’s 2nd time through (three runs) and the top of the order’s 3rd time through (four runs).
Braves Bullpen Status
Likely available:
Ian Hamilton’s been up since Monday and has yet to get into a game. José Suarez should be back up after his 52-pitch outing last Friday. Dylan Dodd, who was called up today, hasn’t pitched since Sunday (and that was only one inning.)
Used recently:
Aaron Bummer’s pitched in both of the last two days, but only eight combined pitches. No idea whether or not he’ll be a candidate to come back.
Potential limitations:
I’d imagine Tyler Kinley is likely down, if possible, given that he’s pitched on both of the last two days.
Quick takeaway:
Raisel Iglesias went on the injured list this morning, but both Robert Suarez and Dylan Lee getting last night off means that Atlanta has the high leverage arms it needs to cover the late innings.
Opponent Bullpen Status
Likely available:
Closers Clayton Beeter and Gus Varland haven’t pitched since the weekend, while setup man Cionel Pérez is working on two days rest.
Used recently:
Washington used only one of their lefties last night, with PJ Poulin coming off a back-to-back and likely out for tonight.
Potential limitations:
Likely multiple arms out tonight - lefty Mitchell Parker and righty Brad Lord likely need a day based on pitch count, while Poulin’s covered innings in two straight games.
Quick takeaway:
Having both three lefties and both closing options available for tonight puts Washington in a good spot tonight.
What to Watch Today
Any fireworks tonight? Rookie manager Blake Butera seemed confused as to why the Nationals received a warning last night after Bryce Elder plunked CJ Abrams. Does Washington attempt to retaliate?
The Braves have been shaky at times against the well-sequenced, kitchen sink guys. Can Griffin miss enough bats and induce enough chase to make it through six innings?
Final Thought
Atlanta’s favored in this one, as well. It all comes down to Braves pitching - can Reynaldo López and co. keep Washington’s bats contained?